March at Shenandoah River State Park: Salamanders, Wildflowers, and Nights in Nature

March is shaping up to be a busy month at Raymond R. “Andy” Guest Jr. Shenandoah River State Park, with family programs, nighttime adventures, and a spring preview that includes wildflowers, moss, and one of the park’s most popular seasonal attractions: vernal pools.

Chief Ranger for Visitor Experience Megan Goin highlighted the park’s upcoming events and invited the community to take full advantage of the many outdoor experiences available close to home.

Tales and Trails returns March 7

The park’s partnership with Samuels Public Library continues with Tales and Trails on the first Saturday in March (March 7). The program will focus on recycling and the Leave No Trace principles, with a craft component for kids. This session will be held at the library, and registration is handled through Samuels Public Library. Goin said there is still space available.

Vernal pools: “More than mud puddles”

Also launching in early March is one of the park’s favorite spring programs: the Vernal Pool Expedition.

Vernal pools are temporary bodies of water that form from seasonal rain and snowmelt. While they may look like simple puddles, Goin said they can be packed with life, serving as important habitats for amphibians and macroinvertebrates.

“With all this rain and snowmelt, they should be nice and full now,” she said. “The salamanders should start migrating to the pool.”

The park is offering multiple vernal pool programs throughout March, including nighttime events when visitors are more likely to see adult salamanders in action.

Moss Madness, photography, and wildflower hikes

Other March programs include March Moss Madness, exploring the different moss species found in the park, and a photography walk in partnership with the library, led by photographer Sharon Fisher, focusing on technique and scenery.

Spring wildflower season also begins in March, with guided hikes highlighting bluebells and other native blooms, such as Dutchman’s breeches and spring beauty.

Nights in Nature expands for 2026

Goin said the park is also expanding its popular Nights in Nature series after a successful first year. Programs will run monthly from March through November, with themes tied to seasonal night activity.

March will feature the nighttime vernal pool programs. Looking ahead, the series is expected to include:

• An April frog program with a guest from Virginia Working Landscapes/Smithsonian
• A May “blue moon” hike
• A June firefly hike

Goin noted fireflies have been affected in recent years by light pollution and habitat changes, but many residents reported seeing more last summer.

Bluebell Festival returns for year three

The park’s signature annual event, the Bluebell Festival, is back for its third year and remains one of the largest gatherings at the park.

Last year, the festival drew about 1,600 visitors, and organizers are hoping for a similar turnout. Plans include 30+ vendors, food trucks, ranger programs, and live music, including a performance by Mary Moore, a Virginia native and Nashville recording artist, along with plenty of bluebells in bloom.

Camping, trails, and a Discovery Center for kids

For those who haven’t explored the park beyond a day hike, Goin highlighted several features visitors may not know about:

• 31 RV sites (also suitable for tents) with electric and water hookups
• 12 fully furnished cabins with kitchens, heat, and air conditioning
• 12 primitive riverfront sites for more traditional camping
• 25 miles of trails
• A large riverside picnic area
• Easy access to Downriver Canoe Company, which rents boats and e-bikes nearby

She also encouraged families to visit the park’s Discovery Center, which will open for spring “discovery hours” and includes hands-on exhibits such as a watershed table, microscope station for river water samples, and new rotating activity tables—plus a planned “mini escape room” style activity built around unlocking a backpack.

Cost and access

Programs are typically free, with the usual $10 parking/entry fee for the park. Goin noted that the fee helps support Virginia’s state park system.

More details, schedules, and registration links are available through the park’s website and Samuels Public Library’s event listings.